Lillian “Lil” Mary Carta Raasch died quietly at Gundersen Health System Hospital in LaCrosse, WI, on Feb. 21, 2014, after a long illness. Lil was born Dec. 22, 1920, in Janesville, the daughter of Carl Carta and Concetta (Speraindeo) Carta. Lil was very proud that her parents immigrated to the United States from Calascibetta, Sicily, Italy, while in their early teens as that made her and her siblings “first generation American-born.” Lil attended St. Patrick's Grade School in Janesville, WI, from 2nd grade until graduating from the 9th grade in 1936, and then graduated from Janesville High School in 1939. Lil married Walter Raasch on Nov. 25, 1943, and legally separated in February 1970. She worked at Parker Pen in Janesville, from 1939–1946 and again from 1966–1982. She also worked in Janesville, at Forcite 1½ years from 1986–1987, and then SSI from 1987-1995. Lil lived on Tripoli Rd. in Janesville, from 1970-1998, and had wonderful neighbors. She was a lifelong resident of Janesville, until she moved to La Crosse, in July 2002. She had been active in St. Mary's Church and St. Mary's School activities as a volunteer in Janesville. While living in Janesville, Lil enjoyed playing cards, cake decorating, sewing, embroidery, crochet, and working in her home garden and yard. Lillian enjoyed living at Village Apartments on Cass in LaCrosse, and had many friends there, including special friends Marion Hoch and Marion Gast, and many others at the apartments. Special Causeway Friends were Jo and Dick Stelmach (LaCrosse), friend, Phyllis Englreth Ryan and Mary Jo Rathman. Her friends at the Apartments have said she was cheerful and always fun to banter back and forth with.

Lil is survived by her children, Robert (Colleen) Raasch of Onalaska, and Romey Carta of Madison; six grandchildren: Kevin (Melissa) Raasch of Phoenix, AZ, Michelle Moore of Buford, GA, Lindsay Raasch of Iowa City, IA, Keely Raasch of Onalaska, WI, Brian Haslanger of San Jose, CA, and Sarah (Jason) Hoskinson of Lawrence, KS; and nine great-grandchildren: Cooper, Hannah, Jacob, Brie, Alaiyah, Matt, Abby, Lexi and Izzy; two sisters, Virginia (Paul) Rismeyer of Beloit, and Joesphine (Ed) Glass; a brother, James (Jean) Carta; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH with Fr. Jim Kuhn officiating. Visitation will take place on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the hour of Mass at ST. MARY'S. Memorials may be made to Causeway Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, Inc., 420 West Avenue South, La Crosse, WI, 54601. SCHNEIDER APFEL SCHNEIDER & SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY is assisting the family. For on-line guestbook and condolences: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com